Gerald R. Ford State Funeral

In final tribute from a grateful Nation. The Lying in State of President Ford (July 14, 1913 - December 26, 2006) with a Guard of Honor was held at the United States Capitol Rotunda in Washington DC from December 30, 31 and January 1, 2007. Washington DC Pages joins with the Ford family, and all Americans, in mourning the passage of Gerald R. Ford. Ford was the first person appointed to the vice presidency under the terms of the 25th Amendment. Upon succession to the presidency, Ford became the only person to hold that office without having been elected either President or Vice President. Prior to becoming Vice President, he served for over eight years as the Republican Minority Leader of the House of Representatives as a representative from Michigan's 5th congressional district. Gerald Ford assumed the presidency when the nation needed a leader of character and humility -- and we found it in the man from Grand Rapids. President Ford's time in office was brief, but history will long remember the courage and common sense that helped restore trust in the workings of our democracy. - President Bush on the passing of the Honorable Gerald R. Ford